Donate to Isles FM

On air now

Local News for Tuesday 3rd October 2017

Island loses Gaelic championThe Gaelic champion and community enthusiast Chrisella Ross, of Bayble, has passed away, it was announced yesterday. Chrisella was a tireless advocate for Gaelic language, culture and folklore, a teller of tales and a writer of distinction. She originated the successful TV drama Bannan, and was for many people an unfailingly positive supporter in their quest to learn and understand Gaelic. Publishers Acair yesterday said: “A friend to Acair and a writer of great talent. Chrisella was directly involved in many projects in the Gaelic world over the years, always bringing imagination and fun to whatever she was working on. We saw how lively and joyful she was at last year’s Royal National Mod in Stornoway, where we held a reading session for children and Chrisella entertained everyone with underwear from ‘Na Neònachain’ on her head!” Also paying tribute was Comann Eachdraidh an Rubha (Point Historical Society), for whom Chrisella served as treasurer and curator. The society said: “Her passing is a grievous loss to her family and to us as a group. She was zealous for her language, culture and heritage and knowledgeable about all three.” Chrisella leaves husband Donald, daughter Mairi and son DJ, as well as her mother Mairi, and sisters Etta and Marisa. We extend heartfelt condolences to them all.

Local News for Monday 2nd October 2017

Heavy weatherThe Western Isles is under a Met Office severe weather warning for strong winds, with heavy rain also set to continue today. The yellow ‘be aware’ warning in force until 23.55 tonight indicates that strong winds from the northwest are likely to affect transport, with the possibility of short term power interruptions, too. Gusts of 50-60 mph are likely to develop, with gusts of 70 mph possible over parts of northern and western Scotland and high ground. Winds are expected to peak across western Scotland in the early hours today. In addition, frequent heavy showers are likely to affect parts of western and northern Scotland.

Local News for Friday 29th September 2017

Runrig’s last beat of the drum on sale todayPublic tickets go on open sale at 10am this morning for the farewell concert by Scotland’s biggest band, Runrig, who announced their intention to stop touring and performing as a group earlier this week. The Last Dance tour has one performance in Scotland, at Stirling’s new venue at City Park, Dumbarton Road on August 18th. Many islanders are on the band’s fan list and took advantage of early-bird ticket offers, making plans to attend what will be a historic event for music-lovers. Runrig were inundated with media attention and comments from fans after they made their announcement on Monday. The band said on their Facebook page: “The last 24 hours or so have been overwhelming. We’ve had literally thousands of people get in touch, the majority of which have been sending their love our way. It’s been humbling seeing the response to yesterday’s announcement and reading all of the memories that you associate with either the band or our music.”

Local News for Thursday 28th September 2017

Youngsters get together for baby ‘fighter’Young people in the Barvas and Brue area are getting together to raise funds for a ‘little fighter’ who is battling cancer. Six-month-old Catherine Macleod was diagnosed with leukaemia in May and is undergoing intensive chemotherapy. But she already has the support of her young neighbours, as Barvas and Brue Youth Cafe are organising a soup and pudding fundraiser on Saturday at Barvas Hall, starting at 12noon. The money they raise will go towards supporting the family – Innes ‘Bigila’ Macleod of Lochs and Louise Guy of Barvas – as they maintain their vigil at Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children. Catherine has an older sister, Emily, who is not allowed to visit because Catherine is at high risk of infection. The family said: “Catherine is doing amazingly well considering everything her wee body is going through and we couldn't be prouder of our little fighter and her big sister!” The JustGiving page set up by the Barvas and Brue Youth Café has already broken through its £2,000 target, and you can also help by following the link on our Facebook page. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/barvasandbrueyouthcafe

Local News for Wednesday 27th September 2017

Last cruises of the summerThe cruise ship Hanseatic is scheduled to stop in at Stornoway today, on her way south from Iceland as the season draws to a close. She’s a small five-star expedition ship with space for no more than 175 passengers, travelling in luxury. She’s due to be followed on Saturday by the last call of regular visitor the Hebridean Princess, also bringing a small group of travellers in style to the islands.